Core biopsy with discordant results. Now what to do?

Anonymous

Core biopsy with discordant results. Now what to do?

akayb

I had nipple changes this summer. After watchful waiting and not ever fully resolving I called my GYN back and she ordered mammogram and US. Both negative. Due to the persistent nipple changes referred to breast surgeon.

- punch biopsy of nipple - negative

- MRI shows subtle asymmetrical clumped non mass enhancement near skin, retro areola with some assoc. skin thickening. More than expected from recent punch biopsy. Oval mass 9mm. And linear non-mass enhancement almost to the chest wall with associated washout kinetics. Size 2.5 x 1.7 x 1.5 cm

- core biopsy shows oval mass is proliferative fibrocystic changes, fibroadenoma. Linear enhancement area shows proliferative fibrocystic changes, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia.

My surgeon felt these results were discordant with what was seen on MRI. Basically she didn't believe the results and thought wrong area sampled. The clumped areas was not sampled due to feasibility.

- repeat biopsy of linear enhancement. Results today show focally fibrotic tissue.

Surgeon calls with results and says the radiologist feels strongly she was in the correct area. (Shouldn't they always??) she said we can watch the area and repeat MRI in 6 months, or if I'm worrie do an excision biopsy.

Anyone with similar stories?? inwas told she expected abnormal results which is why we repeatedly biopsy. Obviously you never know until path but just makes me nervous.

cubbieblue

I have a similar story. I had a negative biopsy discordant with the suspicious area seen on mammogram. After further ultrasound radiologist felt the area was probably benign fibrocystic changes and recommended 6-month follow-up. Fast forward 6 months and biopsy now recommended because the area minimally increased in size. Yep, turns out it was cancer all along. Breast tissue moves so much, I bet a doctor can be sure they are in the right area but are actually wrong. Imaging is not perfect and the doctors interpreting it make mistakes. For me, if the BS is questioning it, I would go ahead with a biopsy. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out.

Gwamadune

Mine is similar as well. Mammo and US showed 5mm nodule. Biopsy unable to locate, so biopsied a node in the area, which is benign. Now suggesting wait 6 months and do another mammo. One of the radiologists involved says do another US now, or wait 6 months to do another mammo. ????? What to do! My gut feeling is not to wait 6 months. Any opinions?